Wally Olson, the Dale County, Ala., sheriff, said: "He's a very special child. He's been through a lot, he's endured a lot."

In a statement, the White House said President Obama called FBI Director Robert Mueller to "compliment him for the role federal law enforcement officers played in resolving the hostage situation."

Here's more from the statement:

"The President praised the exceptional coordination between state, local, and federal partners, and thanked all the law enforcement officials involved during the nearly week long ordeal for their roles in the successful rescue of the child."

Update at 5:32 p.m. ET. Negotiations Deteriorated:

During a televised news conference, Stephen E. Richardson, special agent in charge of the FBI's Mobile, Ala. division, said that during the last 24 hours, negotiations deteriorated and Dykes "was observed holding a gun."

That's when authorities decided that the boy was in imminent danger, so they made a move to rescue the boy.

"The child appears physically unharmed," Richardson said.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said in a statement that he was "thankful that the child who was abducted is now safe."

He continued: "At the same time, we also want to remember the family and friends of the bus driver — Charles Poland, Junior. This man was a true hero who was willing to give up his life so others might live. We are all inspired by his courage and bravery."